The metals sector recorded a significant increase in M&A activity during Q4, but 2014 saw a decline in deal value compared to 2013.

2/23/15 | Transportation and logistics

Analysis of deal activity in 2014 revealed a lackluster year as M&A volume and value remained near ten-year lows. Despite subdued performance, we are cautiously optimistic regarding 2015 as advanced economies continue to recover and emerging and developing economies continue to grow. Looking forward, one key driver of improved activity across modes will likely be the decline in fuel costs globally. We expect these prices to provide additional capital for more M&A.

Chemicals industry M&A activity in 2014 reached the highest deal volume in a decade and the highest value since 2007.

2/23/15 | Aerospace & defense

Analysis of deal activity in 2014 revealed a significant improvement in transaction activity after a lackluster 2013, with a notable pickup in defense-related transactions. The total deal value, $22.3 billion, was slightly above the 10-year rolling average of $21.2 billion. The number of megadeals, or transactions of $1 billion or greater, doubled from 2013 and included the first defense-oriented megadeal since the Budget Control Act of 2011.

1/23/15 | Industrial products

Business outlook improved notably among US industrial manufacturers during the fourth quarter of 2014.

12/15/14 | Industrial products

US shale gas development continues to mature rapidly. Its momentous growth is not only altering the country’s energy mix, and impacting global energy markets. It’s also giving US manufacturing a boost through significant cost savings and job creation, according to a PwC analysis.

Webcast

11/3/14

These webcasts will provide you with insights and analysis of recent SEC comment letter trends at an industry level. One webcast discusses trends impacting Commercial and industrial companies sectors and the other is focused on Financial services industries.

8/20/14 | Industrial products

Industrial manufacturing mergers and acquisitions activity surged in the second quarter, driven by large deals. Dealmakers seeking strategic assets represented the overwhelming majority of all transactions.

8/20/14 | Industrial products

The value of merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in the engineering and construction (E&C) sector in 2Q14 surged to $67 billion from $15 billion in the prior quarter. As a result of the transactions that were involved, the average deal size rose to among the highest levels on record.

8/20/14 | Industrial products

Chemicals M&A activity in the second quarter of 2014 more than doubled in value and volume when compared to the same period last year. Mid-market transactions accounted for 68% of total deal activity and over 20% of value.

Metals industry mergers and acquisitions rebounded in the second quarter, as deals were driven by metals companies diversifying their assets and seeking to manage overcapacity.

8/20/14 | Transportation and logistics

The pace of transportation and logistics transactions accelerated during the second quarter, as measured by both announced value and volume. However, 2014 is not expected to set records for mergers and acquisitions in the sector.

8/12/14 | Aerospace & defense

An uptick in mega deals and the ongoing interest in divested assets and private equity backed businesses, propelled aerospace & defense M&A second quarter value to the highest quarterly total in three years.

7/23/14 | Industrial products

Important megatrends, such as shifting global economic power, technological advances, and demographic changes, are identified as top-of-mind issues for global airline CEOs, according to our latest report, the 2014 Global Airline CEO Survey. As the changing balance of economic power is expected to have a drastic effect on the industry in the next five years, the report highlights three key areas in which CEOs are planning to respond: organizational structure, technology, and talent.

US manufacturers are planning to spend more on infrastructure in the coming year as competitive pressures grow. Additionally, M&A plans have increased.

7/16/14 | Assurance services

The FASB and IASB have issued their long-awaited converged standard on revenue recognition -- how will you be affected? This industry-specific supplement to our In depth highlights some of the areas that could create the most significant challenges for aerospace and defense entities as they transition to the new standard.

Webcast

7/10/14 | Aerospace & defense

Watch our webcast replay to learn what specific impacts the new revenue recognition standard will have on the Aerospace & Defense industry, and download our industry supplement for examples and further insights into ways entities within the industry are likely to be affected by the revenue standard.

6/18/14 | Assurance services

The FASB and IASB have issued their long-awaited converged standard on revenue recognition -- how will you be affected? This industry-specific supplement to our In depth highlights some of the areas that could create the most significant challenges for engineering and construction entities as they transition to the new standard.

6/16/14 | Industrial products

Assessing Tax 2014 provides a detailed analysis of tax rate metrics for 324 companies and highlights tax trends for aerospace and defense, automotive, chemicals, engineering and construction, industrial manufacturing and metals, and transportation and logistics companies. This issue includes a special report on the surge in international tax controversy.

6/11/14 | Industrial products

Manufacturers are observing how 3D printing (3DP) could disrupt manufacturing processes, impact the traditional supply chain, and increase the demand for the talent needed to apply the technology to their operations.

6/10/14 | Assurance services

Our benchmarking of some of the largest companies' conflict minerals filings provides insight into industry trends. We looked at 10 filings for each of the following industries: Aerospace & defense, Automotive, Industrial products, Retail, and Technology.

This PwC report explains why innovation in the chemicals industry is so important because it helps chemicals companies address their customers’ challenges and creates competitive advantage.

4/28/14 | Industrial products

Industrial manufacturing mergers and acquisitions activity rose in the second half of the year, with oil and gas end-markets driving deals in the industrial machinery sector. Deal strategies are expected to shift to growth-oriented transactions in 2014.

Large deals continue to drive engineering and construction industry mergers and acquisitions, especially in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. Risk aversion is impacting deal activity in emerging markets.

4/28/14 | Aerospace & defense

Deal activity in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry was off to a slow start in 2014. While aerospace-focused deals are expected to continue at high valuations, the defense mergers & acquisitions (M&A) market remains sluggish. Unless long-term defense priorities become clearer, a sustained increase in the overall pace of A&D M&A is unlikely.

4/28/14 | Industrial products

Chemical industry mergers and acquisitions increased in advanced economies, with shale gas opportunities playing a major factor in the United States. Chemicals industry companies are pursuing a variety of deal strategies, including joint ventures, spin-offs, and complete divestitures.

Webcast

8/29/13 | Assurance services

Almost 9 months into the first year of compliance, where does your company stand? Do you have a clear path forward to your first conflict minerals filing deadline? Watch this webcast where we share our perspective on the latest developments (including the legal challenge), considerations as you close out your first year of compliance, what to expect in the independent private sector audit – and how to prepare, and examples of how leading companies are addressing their compliance efforts.

Dataline

9/11/12 | Assurance services

On August 22, 2012, the SEC approved a final rule requiring certain issuers to publicly disclose their use of conflict minerals [tantalum, tin, tungsten, and gold] and whether those minerals originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo ("DRC") or adjoining countries (“covered countries”). This Dataline looks at the key provisions of the final rule. Also included is a supplement on frequently asked questions on conflict minerals.